Question:
My mom is 53 years old and weighs about 280 lbs. She has

type II diabetes and other health problems related to her weight. I am trying desperately to convince her to have this life-saving surgery before she loses her kidney function entirely. I had WLS 11 months ago and am already down 165 lbs. All of my health problems have resolved. She says she is too old and would die on the operating table. Can others of a similar age please tell your story, so I can try and convince my mom that she wouldn't be too old for WLS??? Thanks!    — Terissa R. (posted on February 12, 2002)

February 12, 2002
I am 55 years old and weighed 346 pounds when I had my surgery (open RNY) almost 11 weeks ago. I have had a remarkable recovery. I came back to work after 2 weeks nad have had no problems at all. I was lucky that I hadn't developed diabetes (I know it was on the way, though) and now my blood sugar is 88. I just had my 10 week check-up and I have lost 66 pounds. This is by far the best thing I have ever done for myself. I know I would have been totally disabled within 5 years if I hadn't had the surgery. Now I know that if I die early, it won't be from obesity-related causes. This surgery (and my wonderful surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Warnock) has given me my life back.
   — Patty_Butler

February 12, 2002
Hi! I am 57 years old and had an open BPD/DS on 12/17/01. My starting weight was 360, now I'm 310 lbs. Surgery and recovery were uneventful and I feel wonderful. I went into the hospital on blood pressure medicines and came out off of them. Most diabetics are off insulin within a short time also from everything I have read. There is a group just for people over 50. If your Mom has a computer, tell her to go to http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/theoldiesofwls. There are several women there in their late 60's having the surgery. I decided I was too young not be able to play with my grandchildren or do the things I had always loved to do. Good luck to both of you. I hope whe realizes you are trying to keep her around as long as possible. Carol
   — grammie5

February 12, 2002
I was 54 when I had my WLS surgery - RNY proximal. I could not bend over, I couldn't perform "toilet" duties, I couldn't breathe, I had a mild case of sleep apnea and I had GERD. I have lost 102 lbs in 1 yr.+1 month. I have 30 lbs. to go. I no longer have problems cleaning myself when I go to the restroom, I no longer have sleep apnea or GERD, I can breathe and even bend over now. I am now very healthy and happy! I'm now 55 (ugh), colored my platinum hair to a dark blonde and now I feel young! and I love it!
   — [Anonymous]

February 12, 2002
It's me again ... the previous post. I forgot to say that I weighed 258 lbs and I'm 5'3"...so I was pretty "squatty."
   — [Anonymous]

February 12, 2002
I am 60, had open RNY on Dec 14, 2001 and have lost 45 lbs. Tell her to write me if she would like to hear how a 60 year old gave herself her life back. She may check out soon if she doesn't check in with WLS really soon. [email protected]
   — Kathryn K.

February 12, 2002
I am 59 years old. Had my surgery on 7/5/01 and have lost 98 pounds so far. When I woke up from the surgery, it hurt of course, but the pain medication quickly fixed that. My daughter came and "cooked" for me (water, crystal lite, runny instant mashed potatoes) and within a week I felt pretty good. Went back to work after two weeks. Started my exercise program of walking to the end of the driveway and back, graduated to 10 minutes, then 20 minutes up and down the driveway, to walking 1 mile to using a treadway 35 minutes a day for approximately 2 miles. Never felt better in my life. In fact I feel younger. Wish I had done it at 53, instead of waiting until I was 59.
   — Penolyn V.

February 12, 2002
I just wanted to thank everyone who responded to my question. I'm going to print out your stories and share them with my mom. THANK YOU!!!!
   — Terissa R.